Universale Chair by Kartell

The Universale chair, designed by Joe Colombo for Kartell in 1967, stands as a radical milestone in modern design, celebrated as one of the first adult-sized chairs made entirely from injection-moulded plastic. Conceived as a “universal” seat, it combines lightweight durability with a stackable, modular structure, allowing it to adapt effortlessly to different environments and uses. Its smooth, rounded silhouette and vibrant colours reflect the optimistic, forward-looking spirit of late 1960s Italian design, while its industrial production marked a breakthrough that democratized furniture on a global scale. Both functional and futuristic, the Universale embodies Colombo’s vision of design as a flexible, mass-produced system for modern living.